“It’s not surprising that chemical vapors would affect children. We know that chemical irritants, even perfumes or other cleaning fluids will cause asthmatic reactions in children. The leap to infection is a little bit different,” Dr. Len Horovitz, Lenox Hill Hospital.

Dr. Horovitz said researchers seem to infer that because bleach causes inflammation and the production of fluids in the sinuses and lungs it’s setting the stage for infection.

“There is more fluid for viruses and bacteria to play in, but that doesn’t mean it has introduced viruses and bacteria per se. You’re not getting that from the actual bleach,” he explained.

At this point the consensus in the medical community seems to be that parents don’t need to ditch the bleach until more research is done.

Doctors said the key to using bleach safely is to properly ventilate the space that you will be cleaning, and allowing fumes to evaporate before children enter the space.